As I've been limping and whimpering my way to the end of the
school year, my reading life reveals it. My brain can only deal
with certain kinds of tales. This means I've put some books on hold while I
endeavour to find fluffier stuff that will hold my attention without requiring
a great deal of tense, anxiety provoking, emotional investment.

The Encyclopedia of Early Earth: A Graphic
Novel by Isabel Greenberg

Wow! Just Wow! I started reading this book
last week and had to put it down. It's so good I couldn't finish it in one
sitting. I needed to savour the mystical richness of it. I've been doling out a
bit daily since then and am heartbroken to be finished it. This is the kind of graphic novel that will work for people of any age group. I'm adding it to my
list of possible Christmas gifts people can purchase for me.

It's the saga of a storyteller who lived
before our history began. His stories hearken to our own creation myths
and histories. I was wondering what words I could use to tell you more about
it, and then I read this on the back cover. It tells you everything you need
to know. Everything except that the mostly black and white images are powerful
and sweet in their magical simplicity. Just google The Encyclopedia of Early Earth and click on images to see what I mean.

Mr Terupt Falls Again by Rob BuyeaSaving Mr Terupt is waiting for me to read from Netgalley. My readers told me that I had to read the second one before starting it. Reading this sequel was good, but not as good as the first one. Perhaps it is because the first was fresh and new, and if I am honest, I was rested when I read it. Still, I'm ready now to go on to the third in the series.

Fartiste by Kathleen Krull This is the story of a man who could control his flatulence at will. He could get very creative with it. I wanted to like it, but I just couldn't get into this book. The poetry didn't work at all for me. I have decided not to purchase it for our library. There are so many other books I would rather spend the money on.

All the Water in the World by George Ella Ryan and Katherine Tillotson (illustrator) A few of our intermediate classes are starting off next fall with an integrated hydrosphere unit. While at our local library picking up my holds, I decided to see what they might have on the topic. I picked up this book and just fell into it. The rich poetry is filled with facts at the same time as it packs an emotional wallop. Tillotson's illustrations are just drop dead gorgeous. While this title doesn't provide the in depth information students will need for research projects, it will make a fabulous read aloud to start the unit off, and could even be a model for presenting their own finished work. It's also one of those books teachers of younger readers will read to their students when they are studying water. Heck, its beautiful poetry that will make fabulous mentor text.

PS: I will appreciate recommendations for titles on the topic of the hydrosphere in the comments section.

Why'd They Wear that? Fashion as the Mirror of History by Sarah Albee

Much thanks to Debbie Alvarez from The Styling Librarian who blogged about this book a few weeks ago. I agree with everything she has to say. It is a fascinating book filled with information that connects fashion to what was taking place in history. It's a book on attire and fashion that will entertain different ages and gender. My partner and I had an entertaining conversation about armour and the Battle of Agincourt over dinner one evening while I sat at the table and read.

What I liked

There is some critique that connects to social justice issues throughout the book. I am happy that the section at the end delves into the real cost of cheap clothing. It "comes at a high cost to the environment, the economy, and human suffering." I enjoyed the humour throughout the book. While discussing the job of tanning leather, Albee writes, "The hair was smeared with dog poop (which contains a softening enzyme). If you can stand to read more - the mixture was then heated up, to speed the softening process. Hard to imagine what the neighbourhood must have smelled like."

What I didn't like

There is a primarily western-centric perspective to the history explored within the confines of the book. I also had a hard time reading the black font against the blue backgrounds.

In spite of my quibbles with it, I have added this book to my school shopping cart.

Currently I'm listening to Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger. I'm loving it! I had put Glory O'Brien's History of the Future by A.S. King, aside temporarily but am back reading it again. I've started another of my must read in 2015 titles, A year in the Life of a Complete and Total and Complete Genius by Stacey Matson. I'm almost on track with that goal!

Up next week I've got a pile of books I brought home from work to read. I've also got three or four books from the library that I have to get to. What is for certain is that I will be reading titles from my to read list.

Thanks for telling about The Encyclopedia of Early Earth, Cheriee. And I didn't know there was a #3 in the Mr. Terrupt books. I had read that the 2nd one was not so good & have not read it. I do enjoy Albee's books, will get to this one some time I'm sure. I loved her book about the history of poop! There are many water books that are fabulous, and Tricia Stohr-Hunt (The Miss Rumphius Effect) does thematic book lists among her wonderful poetry. Here is her list from earlier in the year: http://missrumphiuseffect.blogspot.com/2015/01/thematic-book-list-water-and-water-cycle.html. A good read aloud also is A Walk To Water, but I imagine you already know that one. Thanks for sharing some good books!

Linda, thanks so much for the list. It's invaluable. I have a lit circle set of A Long Walk to Water, and another set of The Water Castle (ok so the later is less connected to the hydrosphere, but it's a great book and could certainly connect to selling bottled water)

Why'd they wear that will get more use in my library for research than for pleasure reading, I think. A bit on the long side. Personally, I am waiting for an epic comic fart novel and have yet to read anything that I think suits! Most of the ones are much too sophomoric even for my 6th graders!

I'm not so sure that I agree with you Karen. I know there are children who will read and enjoy it. (Especially if I present it right) When you find that epic novel, I'll buy it. I just don't really have it in me to even look for it.

This is the first time I've heard of Encyclopedia. I do love a graphic novel so will be looking for this one. I'm pretty sure my son would love Why'd They Wear That--might have to break down and order because I'm sure my libraries won't be getting it.

I hope you enjoy The Encyclopedia of MIddle Earth as much as I did. I think even younger readers will enjoy the story, but they might not make all the connections. You could always make a suggestion that your library purchase Why'd They Wear That? - I got this one from our public library!

I love All the Water in the World and The Water Castle. We might do The Water Castle as a book club book in the fall. Miranda Paul's new title on Water is phenomenal. Looking forward to seeing where your reading life takes you this summer.

I've got Water is Water on hold at the VPL. I might have to just go for digital resources for these 5/6/7's. As soon as I finish Aurora County All-Stars we'll have to set up a time to meet so I can share it with you.

Albee's newest was fascinating! I loved how the entire book was organized.I have the second and third Mr. Terupt waiting for me too! I've heard #2 is good, but not for 4th grade, and since that is the highest we go to in school, I haven't pulled it out yet. I'm hoping to read it in the next 2 weeks.

I agree, it is fabulous. The only thing I can think of that might be iffy with the second Mr Terupt, is that a couple of girls start their period. I don't think that will stop me from putting it out for kids to read. It will be interesting to read your comments about it.

Happy reading to you too. Early Earth is partly so good because it's not really a book for children, but they could read it if they want. I really enjoyed the first Mr. Terupt and hope to find the third as good.

I really like the look of that encyclopedia. I immediately placed it in my Goodreads - to read list. Will definitely look for it. I've also recommended it to a few friends whom I think would resonate with it. Sad to see that Fartiste didn't make the cut - quite a different genre for Kathleen Krull wouldnt you say?

About Me

Across my teaching career I have taught combinations of mixed age groupings from kindergarten to grade 5. I was an ESL teacher for a number of years and am now a teacher librarian at Charles Dickens Elementary School in Vancouver, B.C.